About the Safe Routes Recognition Program

The New Jersey Safe Routes Resource Center recognizes municipalities and schools (public, private, or charter) for their commitment to the Safe Routes program. Safe Routes Regional Coordinators can assist with nominations, or municipalities and schools can apply for recognition themselves. Nominees are asked to apply for recognition at one of four levels: First Step, Bronze, Silver, or Gold. The criteria for recognition at each level are listed below. The deadline to apply is January 31 each year.

Recipients are presented with a certificate or award depending on the level of recognition, and are promoted on the NJ Safe Routes website and possibly through other local media facilitated by Safe Routes Regional Coordinators. Certification is valid for three years, after which the school or municipality must re-apply for recognition.

High Schools are welcome to apply for the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Recognition Program if they meet the program criteria.

Recognition Program Levels

School Achievements:
  • Complete an online nomination form
  • Identify a Safe Routes Champion to begin building a team (should not be a Safe Routes Coordinator)
Municipality Achievements:
School Achievements:
  • Complete First Step achievements
  • Support Letter from school or district
  • Hold at least two Safe Routes programs or events (for example, walk/bike to school day, bike rodeo, bike or pedestrian safety education event, mileage contest, etc.) from the past 12 months
  • Implement one active transportation best practice (for example, bike parking, scooter storage, kiss and walk drop off/pick up locations, staggered dismissals for walkers/bikers, safe routes to bus stops, student posters/artwork, winter walking programs, etc.)
Municipality Achievements:
  • Complete First Step achievements
  • Support Letter from the municipality
  • Meet ONE of the following requirements:
    • Lead, provide staff or perform outreach at two Safe Routes events from the past 12 months
    • Complete a Post Observation Report for the top 5 busiest Crossing Guard locations
    • Implement an innovative Safe Routes project, subject to approval
School Achievements:
Municipality Achievements:
  • Meet bronze level achievements
  • Meet ONE of the following requirements:
    • Perform annual training of all Crossing Guards and re-training of returning Guards
    • Lead, provide staff and/or perform outreach for a total of at least six Safe Routes events from the past two years
    • Implement an innovative Safe Routes project, subject to approval
School Achievements:
Municipality Achievements:
  • Meet silver level achievements
  • Show ongoing support from Green Team, Borough Council, Borough Administration, etc.
  • Adopt a Complete Streets Policy that meets minimum standards
  • Complete ONE of the following requirements:
    • Active participant/member in completion of School Travel Plan from the past 5 years
    • Comprehensive municipal Crossing Guard Policy
    • Implementation of an innovative Safe Routes project, subject to approval

Sustainable Jersey Actions

Municipalities and Schools that meet the requirements for the NJ Safe Routes Recognition Program can also earn points toward Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. Visit the Sustainable Jersey Actions page to learn more!